Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Offerman receives "special probation" in bat attack

Former baseball major leaguer Jose Offerman will serve two years of a special form of probation for attacking two players with a bat during a minor league game in August. Bridgeport (Connecticut) Superior Court Judge James Ginocchio granted the two-time All-Star accelerated rehabilitation Tuesday after hearing from current and former major league players supporting Offerman. Two felony assault charges will be erased from his record if he abides by the terms of the probation.

Offerman was playing for the Atlantic League's Long Island Ducks on Aug. 14 in Bridgeport when he was hit by a pitch and charged the mound with his bat. Bridgeport Bluefish catcher John Nathans sustained a concussion and Bluefish pitcher (and former Phillie) Matt Beech had a broken finger on his non-throwing hand after the incident.

Offerman apologized in court Tuesday.